CD Reviews

Explosive performance from one of America's best power trios

Just Bill | Grand Rapids, MI United States | 11/01/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's a miracle this CD is in print, since all three of Glass Harp's original albums (Glass Harp, Synergy and It Makes Me Glad) are apparently no longer available in any format.Fortunately, I had the sense to buy those ultra rare gems on CD (Germany's Lineca label) 3-4 years ago when I saw them in a local record shop. A few minutes ago, I scanned all major online CD stores and saw no listing for them. So if you want to hear perhaps the world's greatest guitarist performing in one of America's best -- but least well known -- power trios, YOU MUST BUY THIS CD IMMEDIATELY!Phil Keaggy is the most gifted, magical, imaginative and technically brilliant guitarist I've ever seen or heard. I've seen him in concert 4-5 times and each time I sit in awe, leaving the concert only reluctantly and nearly with tears in my eyes because I was so moved by his virtuosity.Glass Harp's Live! At Carnegie Hall CD would be astounding if it were released today, from a guitarist in his thirties or forties who had been playing all his life. But this concert was recorded in the very early '70s (circa 1971) by a guitarist only in his late teens. Even then, Phil Keaggy was a master of the instrument, playing his Les Paul with more speed, passion, flamboyance and precision than guitarists twice his age. Unbelievably, he's only gotten better since.I agree with a previous reviewer: the last song, alone, is worth the price of admission. "Can You See Me" is nearly 30 minutes of jamming from Keaggy, bassist Dan Pecchio and drummer John Sferra. Keaggy's McCartney-esque vocals soar over the top of the swelling instrumental intensity, which gradually builds to an unforgettable crescendo.I can think of one other band this intense that broke up way too soon: King Crimson. If that original line-up hadn't splintered when Ian McDonald and Mike Giles left the band after just one album and US tour, there's no telling what heights they could have reached. I feel the same way about Glass Harp. Keaggy left the band in 1972 to pursue a career in Christian music (which was death to his guitar prowess even though it fed him -- and others spiritually) and Glass Harp quickly fell apart. Granted, they lasted in their original line-up three times longer than the original King Crimson band, but it was still a band who's life was cut short way too soon.I wish I would have known Glass Harp re-united in Youngstown, Ohio, in late October of this year. I would have driven there to see them. As it was, I saw Phil Keaggy play solo in Grand Rapids a day or two after the Glass Harp re-union. It was, as usual, an evening I'll never forget. Words simply can't describe the man's talent. (And he's as humorous as he is talented. I'd pay just to hear the man tell jokes and stories.)I can't stress this enough: don't wait to buy this CD. While you're at it, check out everything Phil Keaggy has ever recorded, especially his latest efforts. In the past 4-5 years, he's had the guts to crank up his amps and play with an abandon not typical in Christian music circles. He's still a master musician in any fretted format, but he's unusually gifted on an electric guitar.I don't know who has the original master tapes for Glass Harp's first three albums, but I think someone, somewhere should do everyone a favor and re-issue them in a remastered format. They deserve the widest possible audience.Glass Harp is priceless...and this CD deserves a place in your collection."

Historic Carnegie Hall Performance from Glass Harp.

Louie Bourland | Garden Grove CA | 12/26/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Glass Harp's legendary 1971 performance at Carnegie Hall is captured in full on this fantastic CD. Back in the late '60s and early '70s, Glass Harp was a band that was just on the verge of being the next biggest band in the world but never quite made it to that point. They did, however, manage to become the opening act for many now-legendary bands. The Carnegie Hall gig on this CD is from when the band was on tour with The Kinks. Judging by the intense musicality of Glass Harp's performance, they may as well have blown The Kinks off the stage.
Glass Harp performed five pieces during this gig. They hit it off with the full-force of "Look In The Sky", a heavy Joe Walsh-influenced rocker that features some solid band playing and great vocal work from guitarist/singer Phil Keaggy. Next up is the equally forceful "Never Is A Long Time" which has a slight Hendrix feel to it along with a commanding vocal delivery from bassist Daniel Pecchio. This is followed by a fantastic blues-rock version of the Gospel hymn "Do Lord", a big highlight for this performance. Drummer John Sferra takes over on lead vocals for his composition "Changes" which has a somewhat latter-day John Lennon feel to it.
To close their set out, the band launches into a nearly 29-minute take on their epic piece "Can You See Me". This is where the band pulls out all the stops. In addition to the proper song, Phil Keaggy launches into a driving guitar jam which leads into short snippets of two Glass Harp pieces "David and Goliath" and "One Day at A Time". There is also a drum solo from Sferra and a flute solo from Pecchio. This is an ending to end all shows.
The year following this concert, Glass Harp split up. Phil Keaggy became a well-known and legendary figure in Contemporary Christian music and is still considered to be one of the world's finest guitarists. Nearly 28 years later, Glass Harp returned to live performances in 2000 and released an excellent double-live CD entitled "Strings Attached". In 2003, they released their first studio album in 31 years, "Hourglass".
The "Carnegie Hall" album is a stunning document of an obscure but legendary band on the brink of a breakthrough. The excitement and strong musical energy pierces right through the speakers and leaves you stuck to your chair. Glass Harp's music as well as their positive message is timeless. The "Carnegie Hall" CD may not be an easy CD to get a hold of, but it is an essential title for Keaggy fans, Christian music fans and Classic rock fans. My advice for this CD can be summed up in two short words: Buy It!!"

This historic CD is one of my most prized recordings!

Dan Brookshire | Virginia, USA | 02/14/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Glass Harp Live! at Carnegie Hall is truly a must have recording for Phil Keaggy fans, especially if you play guitar as I do. It's hard to imagine that he was only 20 years old when he played that night in 1971. And I agree with other reviews I've read, that as I've listened to Keaggy recordings through the years since, as well as having seen him in concert numerous times, he only seems to get better on the guitar, if that is possible. I play this recording for my guitarist friends, Christian and non-Christian, and, without exception, they are blown away with what they hear. Too bad that many have never heard this CD, or even remember Glass Harp. If you like Cream and Hendrix, then this CD is for you. I'd also recommend the following Phil Keaggy CDs: Phil Keaggy's Premium Jams, Blue and his playing on the 2nd Chapter of Acts' 1977 tour album, How the West Was One, which, if you can find a copy, is one of the best recordings of Keaggy live in concert, especially his version of "Time" on that album. Phil, if you read this, I'm still waiting for you to put out a new, live CD with bare bones Paul, Strat (Tele would be nice, too) and vintage amps!"

Play it LOUD!

phlange | 03/13/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Considering when this gig was recorded and the fact that Phil Keaggy was in his late teens at the time, this is one of the greatest "live" recordings you'll ever hear. But to fully appreciate it, you MUST PLAY IT LOUD! If you don't, you will not enjoy it nearly as much. The first time I slapped it into my CD player I was alone at home, so I cranked it up! WOW! It was like being at the concert hall. The next time I played it, I turned it down to a more conservative level...it was a different CD altogether. It sounded pretty lame, to be honest. If you can't crank it up, don't buy it. Keaggy does do some pretty amazing stuff on his Les Paul. The last track is a showcase for this ace. It is your typical 70's-style jam with each member getting his chance to strut his stuff. It is obvious this trio knew each other well, as they play off one another over the course of nearly 30 minutes on just this one song. I'm sure The Kinks (the band Glass Harp opened for) had a hard time besting the opening act. Make sure you check out Keaggy's "Blue" CD."

From Glass Harp's Hometown

phlange | 10/25/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Back in the late 1960's as a teen, my friends and I would go anywhere Glass Harp was performing in the Youngstown, Ohio area. We loved them! We thought they were as good as anyone on the radio. To remember the experience of being at teen dances listening and dancing to their covers of Beatles songs from the White Album, (Phil Keaggy did a MEAN Paul McCartney)and their own brilliant music with the gloriously l-o-n-g guitar and drum solos brings back a really warm fuzzy feeling! The sweet voice of Phil Keaggy and his genius on the guitar can never be forgotten. Too bad the band did not gain the national recognition they deserved. I feel priveleged to have experienced their live, wonderfully LOUD music in my life and I am so gratified to read reviews from their fans from other parts of the country who became familiar with the band and Phil Keaggy after they became involved in Christian music. I know that Phil Keaggy became a happier person when he converted and turned to Christian music, but I remember fondly when his band was the best hometown rock band Youngstown, Ohio ever had."